Task Description
We all face that industry has changed dramatically in the past two decades since the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) revolution, which has ushered in the era of Industry 4.0. Under Industry 4.0, mobile computers and machines are connected through the Internet, and smart enabling technologies (i.e., Cyber-Physical System (CPS), Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, etc.) are created through automatic identification physical sensors equipped with tiny computers. Data stored and located in physically separated places are processed and analyzed quickly by numerous computers and applied to manufacture and services, for example, computer-embedded machines and equipment enable the production of the right products/ services to be delivered to the right customers at the right time. On the other hands, from the business perspective, Industry 4.0 drives management research towards creating new concepts and methodologies to realize synergy effects across industries that work together on the same business platform and system. To stay competitive, all firms need to consider and adopt new approaches to innovation, manufacturing, procurement, and logistics.

TASK
The task will develop your skills and the application of the latest OM concept and theory in a real-world context or firm (manufacturing or service industries) in which you are regularly involved.
Specifically, you are expected to select and answer for the following core questions for Industry 4.0 and smart enabling technologies

QUESTION: How do firms utilize Big Data to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of production and services?

NOTE: FOR MORE DETAILS OF INDUSTRY 4.0 PLEASE READ THE PDF ATTACHED.

PREPARE DETAILS OFR YOUR REPORT

Try to explore first about Industry 4.0 initiative and smart enabling technologies.
Select appropriate refereed sources to frame and understand the above core question of report’s argument.
Take stock of insights. Consider the evidence. Confirm the nature of the core question based on selected refereed sources (i.e., Journal articles, Conference Proceedings, Book Chapters, etc.).
What findings do you reach when gathering the insights and evidence from refereed sources and your work experience if any?
You may include tables/figures/charts if needed.
Selected refereed sources must be between the year 2005 and 2018/19
(inclusive).
You should include at least 15 references (preferably refereed journal articles) and no more than 50 references in your report. All sources must be highly credible and fully referenced using the APA referencing style.
The summary, table of contents, reference list and appendices are excluded from a report’s word count.
Use MS word to write your report and submit your assessment online using Assessment 1 link in Moodle, on or before the due date.
Please note that the Turnitin Plagiarism Software in Moodle will check all of your submissions – we will recommend you to write the OM report in your own words.
If you have any concerns, please contact your campus lecturers directly.

MARKING CRITERIA
Demonstrated understanding of operations management frameworks
that are related to the questions posed:15%
Able to evaluate and articulate practical implications, feasibility, justification, and limitation: 20%
Accurately explain the latest trends in operations management and make the linkage between practical and theoretical aspects: 15%
Articulate appropriate and well-structured, concise and clear expression of operations management arguments regarding theoretical and practical elements: 15%
Provide an unobstructed flow of thought throughout the business report, evidenced by succinct Executive Summary, Introduction, and Conclusion: 15%
Critical evaluation and integration of relevant academic and literature to provide theoretical and practical aspects. Insights from a minimum of 15 academic journal articles must be incorporated in your critical analysis: 10%
Adherence to APA Reference format: 5%
Clarity of written expression, grammar, spelling: 5%
Report length 2500-words (penalty of 1% per 100-words that exceed the maximum 2750-words)
Submissions must be in Business Report format using Word with 1.5 line spacing and Times Roman 12-point font.
Late submissions will also be penalised at the rate of “five percent of the total marks available for the assessment each calendar day (full or part) it is overdue” (Policy: Assessment of Coursework section 3.2.4)